In this episode of Coach & Counselor, we’re joined by Jeff Quillin to talk about the long game of youth sports — especially baseball — and the lessons that last far beyond the scoreboard. Jeff shares his perspective on athlete development, pressure in youth sports, and the role parents and coaches play in shaping confidence,Continue reading “The Long Game: Youth Sports, Baseball & Perspective- Jeff Quillin”
Tag Archives: one sport athletes
When the Dream Shifts: Rebuilding Through Resilience- EP 18-Luke Goodgion
For Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Luke Goodgion, baseball wasn’t just a game — it was his identity. Then came the injuries, the surgeries, and the silence that tests every athlete’s resolve. In this episode, Luke shares how he rebuilt through resilience, redefined success beyond stats, and found purpose in mentoring others to do the same.Continue reading “When the Dream Shifts: Rebuilding Through Resilience- EP 18-Luke Goodgion”
The Love of the Game- Ava Kuszak
This week on the Coach & Counselor podcast, we sit down with Ava Kuszak, a multi-sport athlete best known for her impact on the diamond as a Division I softball player at the University of Nebraska. Ava shares her journey through softball and soccer, how she’s embraced the mental side of the game, and whyContinue reading “The Love of the Game- Ava Kuszak”
Episode 11-Denver’s Coach of Coaches: Dan Medina
Dan Medina — often called “Mr. Denver” in the Colorado baseball and softball world — joins Coach & Counselor to share his passion for developing players into leaders. With decades of experience across high school, club, and collegiate programs, Dan’s impact extends far beyond wins and losses. In this episode, he opens up about mentorship,Continue reading “Episode 11-Denver’s Coach of Coaches: Dan Medina”
Grit, Leadership, Rugby: Dave Hodges
What does it take to lead at the highest level? 🏉 Dave Hodges — USA Rugby Hall of Famer, longtime captain of the Eagles, and professional player in Wales — joins the Coach & Counselor Podcast to break down the connection between grit, leadership, and rugby. From captaining the U.S. Men’s National Team 28 timesContinue reading “Grit, Leadership, Rugby: Dave Hodges”
Episode 9-Turning Experience Into Impact: Jon Karcich’s Perspective
Jon Karcich’s journey through baseball has come full circle — from standout player to respected coach and mentor. After years competing at a high level, he’s carried those lessons into the dugout, guiding the next generation of athletes with the same discipline, grit, and love for the game that fueled his own career. In thisContinue reading “Episode 9-Turning Experience Into Impact: Jon Karcich’s Perspective”
Episode 4: Performance and Pressure: Matt Pajak on Coaching Today’s Athletes
July 25 2025 In this episode, we sit down with Matt Pajak, co-founder of Loden Sports and Director of Player & Performance Analytics, to unpack the evolving pressures facing today’s coaches and athletes. With experience working alongside USA Baseball and the Cape Cod League, Matt brings deep insight into how performance data is changing theContinue reading “Episode 4: Performance and Pressure: Matt Pajak on Coaching Today’s Athletes”
CAUGHT UP W/ Randy Kaye 048 Apr 18, 2025
Former college and pro baseball player Tony Gilio shares the story behind Operation Player Assist, a platform designed to help athletes and families handle the rising costs of youth sports. From building a backyard batting tunnel to coaching D1 athletes (his own kids), Tony dives into parenting, coaching, fundraising, and why access to sports isContinue reading “CAUGHT UP W/ Randy Kaye 048 Apr 18, 2025”
One Size Fits No One
The first time I ever heard that was from Randy Sullivan when I took my son down to The Armory (now the Florida Baseball Ranch). Randy’s meaning was that you can’t have the same approach to improving velocity with all pitchers and that there needs to be hyper individualization in order to maximize benefit. IContinue reading “One Size Fits No One”
Tony Gilio 